Innovation grows here

Billed as “agri-innovators in the Annapolis Valley,” this is the panel team for the October 27 agri-innovation event being co-hosted by Devour! The Food Film Fest and the Valley REN. The panel moderator (left) is Ted Grant of GoodLeaf Farms / Truleaf Sustainable Agriculture Ltd., based in Bible Hill (Truro). The panellists all operate agri-businesses in the Valley: (l-r) Patricia Bishop, TapRoot Farms; Mike Lightfoot, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards; Andrew Rand, Randsland Farms; and Kirk Havercroft, Sustainable Blue / Sustainable Fish Farming (Canada) Ltd. | Thanks to Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards for their meeting space and scenic photo location on the deck of their destination winery overlooking Cape Blomidon in the Minas Basin.

This is the sweet spot for innovation: where new technologies and traditional knowledge capitalize on the unique natural resources of geography and climate.

With the promise of better broadband and a more collaborative approach to regional economic development, the Annapolis Valley can grow into an innovation region. The potential is great and the foundation is strong.

Our region is experiencing exciting developments (in commercial and research stages) in agri-business, smart building design, data analytics, and the use of topographic-bathymetric lidar (light detection and ranging) to map and study the ocean floor and improve environmental and municipal planning.

The Annapolis Valley’s strong post-secondary education sector is supporting niche and world-class research opportunities as well as a talent pool for employers and start-ups.

Coupled with that, the region has a wealth of agricultural expertise built up through centuries of innovative farming practices and mechanical engineering.

This is the sweet spot for innovation: where new technologies and traditional knowledge capitalize on the unique natural resources of geography and climate.

The Valley also has a strong and expanding network of industry, university and government experts who are working together (the “triple helix” approach) to support innovation as the means to grow productivity and wealth in the region.

Over the coming months, we will use this blog to spotlight these innovation agents and share their ideas and vision for the Annapolis Valley.

We also invite you to attend the October 27 event: “Growing agri-food businesses through innovation.” It starts 10:00 AM at Wayfarers’ Ale Society in Port Williams.